Are You a “Floor-Fish”

Are You a “Floor-Fish”

I remember once talking to a body therapist about the Feldenkrais Method. She said, (much to my dismay) that it seemed as if the Feldenkrais Practitioners she knew (I was not included because we had just met, but I will sheepishly admit to having been guilty of this behaviour at times in the past) always have to go lie down on the floor to “feel themselves and rest.” To her this was quite odd. I must say it didn’t speak well of my beloved profession.

Pondering this, I remember hearing the term, “Floor-Fish” from several Feldenkrais trainers. What is a “Floor-Fish” you might ask? As I understand it, it’s a Feldenkrais Practitioner (or devoted student) who can move very well on a soft floor doing ATM but has trouble bringing that organisation to the real world. And, they always have to go lie down on the floor to “feel themselves and rest.”

One of the things I enjoy is finding parallels to our work in other fields. In that spirit, I stumbled across a quote from the Physical Therapist Grey Cook about adaptable strength gym rats.

For those of you who are not familiar with Grey Cook, (from his website) he’s a:

Physical Therapist

Author

Lecturer

Strength Coach

He said:

”In other words, we want adaptable strength that can work in changing environments. Adaptable strength is developed though complex movement patterns, not over-rehearsed, over-coached lifts in a never-changing environment. The athlete, warrior, outdoor enthusiast or physical adventurer embraces change and challenge, while the gym rat needs comfort and consistency for a happy workout.”

I find that his quote stands well alone but I decided to modify it for the devotees of the Feldenkrais Method.

In other words, we want adaptable minds and bodies able to thrive in changing environments. Adaptable minds and bodies are developed though exploring and sensing complex movement patterns, not over-rehearsed, over-coached poses and moves in a never-changing environment. Growth minded, learning and curious individuals embrace change and challenge, while the floor fish needs comfort and consistency for a happy Awareness Though Movement lesson.

Are we helping our students to thrive in different environments or helping them to become “Floor-Fish?”